A WATERFRONT WINTER: Marina Grill Serves Up Community, Comfort, and Holiday Flavor

As the holiday season approaches, Marina Grill is embracing the spirit of giving, celebration, and cozy indulgence. Under the guidance of F&B Director Tim Akins, this year marks a milestone for the waterfront favorite — from preparing Thanksgiving meals for the first time to partnering with The Salvation Army to support families in need, and donating a portion of Thanksgiving sales to Nourish NC.

Marina Grill’s new Holiday/Winter Cocktail & Dessert Menu, paired with successful wine dinners and upcoming beer or bourbon pairings, brings a festive touch to every guest experience. The winter menu celebrates warmth and comfort with large, flavorful portions, while signature offerings like the Crab Stuffed Salmon, Sweet Potato Maple Cheesecake, and the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brewtini capture the season’s indulgence. Whether it’s the fresh coastal flavors, the quiet glow of the waterfront, or the holiday-perfect Cranberry Rosemary Paloma in hand, Marina Grill offers a festive escape for locals and visitors alike. We spoke to Food & Beverage Director Tim Akins to find out more.

What will make the holiday season at Marina Grill special this year?

This year is particularly meaningful for us — it’s our first time preparing Thanksgiving meals at Marina Grill. Even more exciting, we’re giving back to the community by partnering with The Salvation Army to support families in need, and we’re donating a portion of all Thanksgiving Day sales to Nourish NC to help feed those who need it most. The holidays are about sharing, and we’re proud to do just that.

Are you offering any special menus, events, or experiences for the season?

We’ve just launched our Holiday/Winter Cocktail & Dessert Menu, perfect for indulging in seasonal flavors. We’ve also hosted a successful wine-pairing dinner and plan to offer more experiences for our guests, including possible beer and bourbon pairings. It’s all about creating moments worth celebrating.

What ingredients or flavors define your winter menu, and how do they reflect the spirit of the season?

The holidays are all about warmth and comfort. Our menu mirrors that spirit with generous portions of flavorful comfort foods and thoughtfully crafted cocktails that evoke the coziness of the season.

Is there a signature dish or cocktail guests shouldn’t miss this holiday season?

If you visit Marina Grill this season, don’t miss our house specialty, Crab Stuffed Salmon, paired with our Sweet Potato Maple Cheesecake. And for a festive twist, sip on a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brewtini — the perfect way to toast the holidays.

If you could capture the essence of the holidays at Marina Grill in a single moment, what would it look—or taste—like?

Picture fresh coastal flavors, the quiet glow of the waterfront, and the perfect festive cocktail — a Cranberry Rosemary Paloma — in your hand. That’s the Marina Grill holiday experience in one unforgettable moment.

As you head into the new year, what are you most proud of at Marina Grill?

Our incredible team. Every day, they pour their hearts into providing the best possible experience for our guests — whether it’s guiding them through the menu, crafting perfect dishes, or creating memorable moments at the table. Their dedication truly makes Marina Grill shine.